A summer to remember with OFOB
Our valued partners include: Chalkhill Community Centre, Chey’s Baking School, Connect Stars, Elite Tigers, Fun Functional Fitness, Jason Robert Foundation, and Life of Her.
From enriching summer camps and creative baking school sessions to thrilling day trips exploring the world around us, and sports activities that ignited the spirit of teamwork and camaraderie, this summer was a fusion of fun, personal development, and community building.
Youth at the helm
At the heart of One Flow One Brent's success lies a simple yet profound principle: putting youth at the centre of it all. Our summer activities were designed al the young people of Brent. Their needs, dreams, and interests served as our guiding compass.
“I have been coming here every summer since I was 10,” says Makhai, a 14-year-old participant at the Jason Roberts Foundation. “I come most days over the summer and play a variety of sports, including golf, rugby, football and basketball,” he adds.
“If I wasn’t here, I would probably be at home playing video games like many other kids. It’s more fun being here and getting to meet the community. I’ve made a lot of new friends.”
Partners in progress
Discussing some of the summer activities led by the Chalkhill Community Centre, Kathleen, a Programme Manager at the centre shares that the young participants had the opportunity to visit Golders Hill Park, Partyman World of Play, and the Science Museum. Additionally, they engaged in a range of activities, such as, cricket, baking and science experiments.
“We wouldn’t be able to cater to as many children without [One Flow One Brent] funding,” says Kathleen. “We have been able to get extra staff and introduce more activities for the children.”
“We’re a family here,” says Otis, CEO of the Jason Robert Foundation. “There is something for everyone, from the media room, to boxing, to careers, to positive futures. People feel safe here.”
“One Flow One Brent’s support, especially financially, has helped resource our some of our activities,” he adds.
Building a stronger Brent
OFOB’s mission goes beyond keeping young people occupied; it’s about forging connections, shaping futures, and building stronger communities. We believe that a sense of belonging is the foundation of a strong community.
OFOB, led by the Young Brent Foundation and a consortium including local youth and major housing associations, takes on the challenge of youth violence in Brent's tri-estate. Embracing a public health approach, OFOB addresses violence as a preventable outcome tied to early-life and social influences. We collaborate with communities, establish diverse partnerships, prioritise immediate and lasting solutions, and leverage data insights to understand youth challenges. OFOB is funded by London’s Violence Reduction Unit.
As the summer sun sets, we shift our focus to all we have planned in the weeks and months ahead – including a community safety workshop, football tournament, and celebration of diversity event.
When communities come together, incredible things happen.
Here's to a brighter, stronger, and more connected Brent!